Whether you'd like to try running for the first time or are back into your running routine after a long break, having the right shoes can make all the difference. And with so many options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and not know what to pick.
But don’t worry – we’ve got your back!
In this article, we’ll talk about the top 10 running shoes for beginners that offer a good combination of comfort and responsiveness to help you build a running routine that you love. That means you'll find pairs that are suitable for 5k and 10k runs all the way up to half-marathons and marathons! And don’t forget to grab your running plan for beginners to make sure you’re making the most out of each workout.
Let’s get you laced up and ready to run!
The best 10 running shoes for beginners
Here are our top 10 picks for beginner-friendly running shoes:
- Best for daily training and longer runs: HOKA Clifton 9
- Best for longer distances: Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
- Best for daily training: Brooks Ghost 16
- Best for tempo runs: Adidas Adizero SL2
- Best for easy and recovery runs: HOKA Bondi 8
- Best for lightweight daily training and performance: HOKA Mach 6
- Best for their reliability: Mizuno Wave Rider 27
- Best for their versatility: Nike Pegasus 41
- Best for moderate distances: Saucony Ride 17
- Best for interval training and races: Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
The same running shoe won't suit every runner, so we’d advise you to go to your local running store and try a bunch of shoes to see how you feel in them.
Reddit’s RunningShoeGeeks sub has plenty of shoe reviews and advice, so make sure you check them out, too.
1. Best for daily training and longer runs: HOKA Clifton 9
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The HOKA Clifton 9, the ninth iteration of HOKA’s Clifton series, is a lightweight shoe designed for extra comfort for those daily miles – but it is also suitable for longer distances. It comes with the brand’s signature EVA foam midsole, which guarantees a soft and forgiving ride, but isn’t one of HOKA’s most cushioned shoes, which makes it responsive for when you want to go faster.
The upper is breathable and supportive, and HOKA offers plenty of colorways for this shoe, so you’ll be able to find the best shoe for your running outfits.
Weight: 246 g (Men's size 9)
Heel/toe drop: 5 mm
Support: Neutral
Price: $145
Pros:
- Lightweight and responsive, offering comfort and speed
- Compression-molded EVA foam midsole
- Adds 3 mm of to the height of its sole compared to previous models without adding extra weight
Cons:
- Some may find the cushioning too soft for faster efforts
2. Best for longer distances: Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
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The Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 is another shoe that offers maximum cushioning and comfort that’s a top choice for beginners. It features Asics' PureGEL in the heel and forefoot for superior shock absorption, combined with FF Blast Plus Eco foam for a soft ride.
The upper is designed with engineered stretch knit mesh that hugs the foot for extra support and is very breathable.
This shoe is particularly favored by neutral runners seeking maximum comfort for their longer runs.
Weight: 305 g (Men's size 9)
Heel/toe drop: 8 mm
Support: Neutral
Price: $160
Pros:
- Excellent cushioning, ideal for long distances
- Very durable, built to last many miles
- Comfortable fit with plush upper materials
Cons:
- Heavier than some other models in its class
- Higher price point
3. Best for daily training: Brooks Ghost 16
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The Brooks Ghost 16 is a reliable and well-rounded daily trainer that offers a smooth, balanced ride. With a DNA LOFT v3 midsole, this shoe provides a softer underfoot feel while maintaining responsiveness.
The upper mesh is breathable and offers a secure fit; you also have the Brooks Ghost 16 GTX version with GORE-TEX, if you’re looking for a waterproof running shoe (if you are, make sure to check out our selection of the best waterproof running shoes on the market).
Many runners appreciate the Ghost 16 for its versatility, making it a go-to option for neutral runners who need a dependable shoe for daily miles.
Weight: 269 g (Men's size 9)
Heel/toe drop: 12 mm
Support: Neutral
Price: $140
Pros:
- Comfortable cushioning suitable for all distances
- Durable and reliable, a good long-term investment
- Smooth ride transition
Cons:
- Relatively narrow, which might be unsuitable for runners with wider feet (although it does come in different width sizes
- Not as responsive for speedwork or racing
4. Best for tempo runs: Adidas Adizero SL2
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The Adidas Adizero SL2 is a versatile shoe that is sufficiently cushioned to be your daily trainer but which can also sustain more uptempo runs.
It has a full-length Lightstrike Pro midsole encapsulated by Lightstrike 2.0 foam, providing a balanced ride that's both soft and responsive – and that doesn’t require a break-in period.
The upper is designed with a mesh that is lightweight and breathable, offering a snug fit, particularly for those with narrower feet. This shoe is well-suited for a variety of runs, from easy miles to tempo workouts.
Weight: 238 g (men’s US size 9.5)
Heel/toe drop: 9 mm
Support: Neutral
Price: $130
Pros:
- Cushioned and comfortable, ideal for a daily trainer
- Versatile enough for different types of runs
- Lightweight and responsive
- Good value for the price with premium midsole foam
Cons:
- Narrow fit, which might not suit runners with wide feet
- Midsole can feel too soft for longer distances or heavier runners
5. Best for easy and recovery runs: HOKA Bondi 8
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If you’re looking for an ultra-cushioned shoe for those easy recovery runs, HOKA’s Bondi 8 is a top choice for beginners and more experienced runners alike.
It’s one of the most cushioned shoes in Hoka’s lineup, designed to provide a smooth ride from start to finish, thanks to its ultra-thick EVA midsole that delivers maximum cushioning and shock absorption.
The Bondi 8 is perfect for runners who prioritize comfort and need a shoe that can protect their joints during extended periods on the road; it might be a good choice for heavier runners.
Weight: 306 g (Men's size 9)
Heel/toe drop: 4 mm
Support: Neutral
Price: $165
Pros:
- Very plush and cushioned for ultimate comfort
- Great for long runs and recovery days
- Durable with a robust outsole
Cons:
- Heavier than other running shoes
- Less responsive, not ideal for faster paces
6. Best for lightweight daily training and performance: HOKA Mach 6
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If you’re looking for a trainer that’s lightweight, responsive, and versatile, the HOKA Mach 6 is ideal.
It’s suitable for a variety of runs, and especially for those faster-paced workouts and even your first races as a beginner. Thanks to its excellent energy return, you’ll be able to set your first PRs and improve them with time.
Its sole is made of a firmer material and keeps you closer to the ground, providing you with a lively, bouncy feel that enables you to pick up the pace when needed.
Weight: 232 g (Men's size 9)
Heel/toe drop: 5 mm
Support: Neutral
Price: $140
Pros:
- Lightweight and responsive, ideal for faster efforts
- Durable outsole with improved traction
- Smooth, stable ride
Cons:
- Snug fit, particularly in the midfoot (may not suit wider feet)
7. Best for daily training: Mizuno Wave Rider 27
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The Mizuno Wave Rider 27 is a reliable and well-cushioned daily trainer designed to provide comfort for your longer runs – and even some responsiveness for more uptempo workouts (although not as much as dedicated tempo shoes).
The shoe comes with Mizuno’s signature Wave Plate technology, which offers a good balance of cushioning and responsiveness. Runners report that the upper is super comfortable and accommodating and comes with a plush tongue and a heel counter. Overall, a great choice for beginners.
Weight: 283 g (Men's size 9)
Heel/toe drop: 12 mm
Support: Neutral
Price: $140
Pros:
- Well-cushioned and comfortable for long distances, while still being responsive
- Durable with a robust outsole and Mizuno’s Wave Plate for stability
- Breathable and supportive upper
Cons:
- Higher heel-toe drop may not appeal to all runners
- Slightly heavier than some competitors in its category
8. Best versatile daily trainer: Nike Pegasus 41
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The Nike Pegasus 41 is a continuation of Nike’s long-standing Pegasus line, known for its versatility and reliability as a daily trainer.
The new ReactX foam midsole makes this shoe 13% more responsive than previous shoes with React foam. Some runners mention that this trainer has a “hard ground feel”, meaning that it doesn’t necessarily feel as cushioned as other trainers on this list, but this is exactly what some of us are looking for. It’s suitable for various types of workouts, from easy runs to tempo sessions.
Nike offers you the possibility to customize your Pegasus shoes (including the color of their upper mesh, midsole, swoosh, laces, and more), which we think is pretty neat. Nobody will have the same shoes as you!
Weight: 297 g (Men's size 10)
Heel/toe drop: 10 mm
Support: Neutral
Price: $155
Pros:
- Versatile and reliable for various types of runs
- Responsive cushioning with Nike’s ReactX foam
- Breathable and adaptable upper
Cons:
- Some may find it less cushioned for long runs
- Not the lightest option in its class
9. Best for moderate distances: Saucony Ride 17
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The Saucony Ride 17 is the next in line of a series of well-rounded and very popular daily trainers that are more on the cushioned side. The trainers from the Ride series are among the best running shoes for beginners, and Saucony made some important improvements over the Ride 16 model. For example, the Ride 17 comes with the next generation of foam (PWRRun+), which helps provide a comfortable and springy ride and is slightly stiffer than PWRRun.
The upper mesh is very lightweight and breathable and the shoe feels overall very comfortable. While it isn’t a tempo shoe as such, it’s still fairly versatile and an excellent daily trainer for most distances, ranging from short to longer efforts.
Weight: 282 g (Men's size 9)
Heel/toe drop: 8 mm
Support: Neutral
Price: $140
Pros:
- Balanced cushioning suitable for various distances, making it an excellent daily trainer
- Versatile, handling different paces well
- Lightweight and breathable upper
Cons:
- On the heavier side compared to other similar trainers
10. Best for interval training and races: Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
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The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is designed for runners who want a versatile, lightweight shoe that excels in faster-paced runs and races. Its PWRRun PB midsole, in combination with its winged nylon plate, provide an excellent return of energy and top performance.
The Speed 4 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering a more stable experience and a more comfortable fit. This shoe is built for speed, so it’s not a good idea to use it as a daily trainer, but you can definitely do your faster workouts in it.
Weight: 233 g (Men's size 9)
Heel/toe drop: 8 mm
Support: Neutral
Price: $170
Pros:
- Responsive and bouncy, perfect for tempo runs and speedwork
- Improved breathability and lightweight design
- Excellent race-day shoe
Cons:
- Not suitable as a daily trainer
Shoes are the most important part of a runner’s gear, so choose the right pair for you
The right shoes can make a world of difference if you’re getting started with running.
The options above are some of the best out there for beginners, offering the support, comfort, and durability you need to get started on the right foot – literally! With the right pair of running shoes, you’ll not only protect yourself from injuries but also enjoy your runs more.
But, at the end of the day, the best shoe is the one that feels good for you, so go to your local running store, try out a few, and see what your feet are telling you about each pair.
To get the most out of each workout, join Runna and build your very own personalized beginner-friendly training plan, which adapts to your schedule, needs, and preferences – and see your running performance quickly improve, week after week.
The first week is on us!
